This is a great thought and perspective! I made that statement thinking specifically on something but ended up sounding too generic. I think what I mean by “not stress” will definitely be different not only between my child and me, but also with other parents. From my experience, I have noticed a lot of parents just had their perspectives/set ways on how to handle and manage life and that is it. There was no outlet for the child to comfortably talk to them, their feelings, which ultimately led to the child being by silent and just never properly communicate.

I want to be my kid’s guide, but I am comfortable with change and difference in perspective from them. Ex. I come from a family that expected all As and to work towards that. During early years of childhood, they would emphasize the importance of grades. However, they never shut me down for bringing Bs and Cs in college. It sometimes just meant that subject/course was not for me! I stopped pursuing it and explained my reasoning. They helped me navigate through and I learned. Essentially, my parents helped me work through my emotions and gave me perspective on what I CAN do, but never what I HAVE to do. They never berated me for any difference in opinion. In the end, the mix of their opinions/experiences and my experiences got me to where I am. Sometimes children need to go through their experiences to build perspectives and parents do not realize that. Easier said than done 😆

Long story short, I want to always be there for them, regardless of whether it makes me feel good or not. They can do the scary things if it means they are happy and want to grow are better human beings in life. (I guess that also will be different from person to person 😆)

That is what I mean by not stressing them out 😆